‘Moon cakes for prisoners’ campaign a huge success

The Church’s initiative to bring happiness to prisoners is held for the fourth consecutive year during the Moon Festival celebrated on September 19 throughout China.

China

Oct 22 2013, 2:51 PM

Cardinal Joseph Zen, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, has thanked the Pope for his generous support to the campaign to donate 10,500 moon cakes to all prisoners on the occasion of the mid-autumn festival.

The prelate said that he had asked Pope Francis to donate 2 euros for the purchase of the sweet; instead he sent 500 euros, leading to the success of the campaign.

The Church’s initiative to bring happiness to prisoners is held for the fourth consecutive year during the Moon Festival celebrated on September 19 throughout China.

In mid-September, 10,500 moon cakes were sent to all prisons and detention centres in Hong Kong. Moon cakes made ??with lotus seed paste and egg are the special delicacy for the festival that represents the unity of the Chinese family.

Cardinal Zen’s statement on October 13 in the diocesan weekly, Kung Kao Po, said: "We were very encouraged by Pope Francis' gesture. His act of generosity was very successful and we collected 23,884 euros (253,000 Hong Kong dollars), against a total expenditure of about 18,000 euros for the purchase of cakes.”

The faithful of Hong Kong will donate the 4,700 excess euros collected to support the Pope's charity. "In this way, we contribute willingly to support two significant works," said Cardinal Zen.

Pope Francis had said in his message “I join you to donate moon cakes to our brothers and sisters in the prisons of Hong Kong. Jesus will recognize us at the door of Heaven. Happy Moon Festival!”

Cardinal Zen translated the pope's words into Chinese and included them in a card along with a picture of him with the Pope, taken during their meeting in June at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. Copies of the card were sent to donors.